Hošťka – Village History, Church and Cycle Route 36 in the Český les

Hošťka combines a distinctive villagescape with several centuries of border, trade and everyday history. Its centre is a nearly 800-metre-long village square, laid out as a linear village and lined with continuous rows of former agricultural farmsteads. Several ponds shape the square; the church dominates the village square. This creates a destination where you can combine a close look at architecture and history with a stay in the landscape of the Český les.

An Unusual Village Square and a Church Steeped in History

The Church of St Margaret is a single-nave building with a rectangular floor plan. Its presbytery is polygonal on the outside, but closes in an almost semicircular shape inside. The church interior preserves original furnishings by the woodcarver Artschlag. If you want to experience sacred places not merely as individual sights but as part of an established village, you will find a particularly tangible connection between the building and the villagescape here.

A chapel dedicated to Saint Margaret is documented in Hošťka as early as 1707. In 1744, this chapel was converted into a small church. After the great fire of 1887, in which a total of 55 farmsteads burned down, the church was given a façade with a tower in 1889. Mass is held in the Church of St Margaret every Sunday at 11 a.m. throughout the year. This regular time may be of interest if you would like your stay in Hošťka to include attending a service.

From Trading Centre to Historic Border Region

Hošťka was first mentioned in 1482 under the name Hosskowo. An imperial customs post operated here until 1613. In the mid-16th century, the inhabitants guarded a section of the border that extended as far as Vranči Pond. The surrounding area was also directly affected by events during the Thirty Years’ War: in 1621, fierce fighting took place there between imperial and Swedish troops.

Hošťka was one of the most populous places in the Přimda Choden region. In 1930, the inhabitants made their living not only from agriculture but also from woodturning and mother-of-pearl processing. This combination of farming and craftwork is part of the village’s traditional history.

Cycling and Landscape in the Český les

Cycle Route 36 passes through Hošťka on its 287-kilometre route from Všeruby to Měděnec. At the same time, this route is considered the main long-distance cycle route through the Český les. This offers a clear option for trip planning: if you would like to combine your stay with a longer cycling tour, Hošťka is a place directly integrated into this supraregional route. The specific route length remains just as clear as the two endpoints, Všeruby and Měděnec.

Part of the municipality’s area belongs to the Český les Protected Landscape Area. In the wider landscape, extensive forests shape a diverse mosaic landscape of pastures, meadows and fallow land becoming overgrown again. Hošťka is also located in an area characterised by forestry, agriculture and recreation. This complements the historic village centre with a distinctly rural dimension and helps you decide whether to make village history, cycling or the natural environment of the Český les the main focus of your trip.

More Places for Your Search

If you would like to compare Hošťka with other destinations, you can also look at Dubec (Dubec), Kšice (Kšice), Trpísty (Trpísty), Kostelec U Stříbra (Kostelec U Stříbra), Horní Kozolupy (Horní Kozolupy), Sytno (Sytno), Stráž (Stráž) and Benešovice (Benešovice).

For the broader travel overview: Okres Tachov.